All newspaper references refer to Scottish editions. Where there is a link to a newspaper’s website, the relevant page reference is highlighted and underlined.

Politics

Independence referendum: There has been a boost for the Yes campaign as the Public and Commercial Services Union, a trade union consisting of 30,000 civil servants, is reportedly likely to vote to back Independence. (Herald page 1)

The comment by David Bowie, wanting Scotland to remain part of the UK, at the end of an acceptance speech at the Brits, has prompted plenty of social media activity. (Times page 4, Daily Telegraph page 4, Daily Express page 5, Sun page 1)

Annie Lennox, a popular singer from Aberdeen, has reportedly urged Scots to weigh up the benefits and disadvantages of an Independent Scotland. (Herald page 6)

The row over the pound has reportedly hurt the No campaign, with the gap between the Yes and No campaigns reportedly reducing to 9 points compared to 20 points in the same poll last month. The poll by Survation put the independence campaign on 38 points and the pro-Union campaign on 47 points. (Scotsman page 14)

Lloyds banking group registering TSB in London instead of Scotland has been picked up on by pro-Union politicians as possible evidence of uncertainty amongst businesses over the referendum. (Herald page 6, Times page 14, Daily Express page 1, Daily Telegraph page 1, Daily Record page 8)

Sectarianism: Academics have warned that sectarianism in Scotland is not restricted to football matches. The anti-bigotry charity Nil By Mouth is reportedly offering golf officials sectarian awareness training. (Herald page 1)

European Commission: Former European Commission ambassador to Washington, Jim Currie, has reportedly claimed that comments by the European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso are not shared by all EU officials. Jose Manuel Barroso is reported to have said that Scotland joining the EU would be difficult, if not impossible. (Scotsman page 15, Daily Record page 9)

Glasgow Airport: A bold bid by Glasgow to buy Glasgow airport, is reportedly going to be launched, following days after a Spanish operator was reportedly looking to buy the airport. (Herald page 1)

Helicopters: The Civil Aviation Authority has set out plans to prevent helicopters from taking off in severe weather conditions. These new suggested rules have come about due to crashes and fatalities in recent years. (Herald page 5, Scotsman page 1, Times page 5)

McCrae’s Place: The area in front of the Usher Hall in Edinburgh is set to be renamed to honour the battalion of the 16th Royal Scots, made up of players enlisted from Heart of Midlothian football club and led by Sir George McCrae. (Scotsman page 10)

Wet winter: This winter has been the wettest in recorded history, with records having begun over 100 years ago. (Scotsman page 13)

Economy

Whisky: Former Scotland Rugby international Finlay Calder is reportedly going to be the director of a £40 million project to set up the first whisky distillery in the borders. (Herald page 7)

Energy: Rick Haythornthwaite, the new chairman of Scottish Gas owner Centrica, has reportedly claimed that restrictions on prices by politicians could lead to power cuts across Britain. (Scotsman page 1)

The Pound: Johann Lamont, the Scottish Labour leader, has claimed that there would be an annual transaction cost of £1,229 incurred by companies if Alex Salmond was unable to secure a currency union with Westminster following independence. (Scotsman page 14, Times page 14, Daily Telegraph page 1, Daily Record page 9)

Reform Scotland

Reform Scotland is a think tank which aims to inform and influence policy debate through robust research, the publication of reports and briefings and by arranging lectures and seminars. It is a charity, independent of any political party, and is funded by donations from individuals, charitable trusts and corporate organisations.